How to Promote Your Local Business with Google My Business

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Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business or GMB) is a free tool from Google that allows local businesses to manage their listings across Google Search, Maps, and other platforms.

Google doesn’t share its search volume data. However, according to Hubspot, it’s estimated that Google processes approximately 63,000 search queries every second, translating to 5.6 billion daily searches and about 2 trillion global searches annually. The average person conducts between three and four searches each day. And nearly half of those searches happen within three miles of their home. That means you need to be listed on Google if you want to reach potential customers.

With GMB, you can create a professional profile for your business, add photos, write descriptions, and even schedule events. Plus, you can connect with your ideal customers through social media, email, or text messages.

With Google Business Profile, businesses (and nonprofits) can promote their business information on Google Search and Maps.

Google My Business (GMB) is a free tool that helps local businesses get found online. GMB allows you to create a profile, add photos, write your business description, and manage online reviews. The information you enter into GMB is public, so you want to ensure you’re putting out accurate information.

GMB is part of Google’s tools to help local businesses succeed online. If you’ve tried to promote your business on a social media platform or business ads through other channels, such as an email marketing campaign, you know that it can be time-consuming and expensive.

GMB lets you easily update your listing regularly whenever you change something about your business. You don’t have to worry about forgetting to post new details. In addition, you can see how much traffic each page receives so you can adjust your marketing strategy accordingly.

Creating or claiming your Google Business Profile is similar to having a business listing in an online directory but with more benefits, e.g. search engine optimization. Companies with a limited budget and can’t afford Google Ads (formerly Google Adwords) etc. use GMB to boost their organic search engine ranking to reach prospective customers. It’s excellent with regular quality content such as blog posts, guest blogging posts, etc., and active website users can gauge their performance with Google Analytics.
With Google Business Profile, businesses can promote their business information on Google Search and Maps. Share on X

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Table of Contents

7 Ways to Promote Your Local Business with Google My Business

The following are seven ways or steps to promote your local business using Google My Business.

1. Set Up Your Profile

According to Google, creating a profile can be accomplished in two different ways:

Option 1: Add Your Business Through Google Maps

On your computer or mobile device, sign in to Google Maps.
You can add your business in 3 ways:
Enter your address in the search bar. On the left, in the Business Profile, click Add your business.
Right-click anywhere on the map. Then, click Add your business.
In the top left, click Menu and add your business.
Follow the on-screen instructions to finish signing up for your Business Profile.

Option 2: Claim Your Business Through Google Maps

On your computer or mobile device, open Google Maps.
In the search bar, enter the business name.
Click the business name and choose the correct one.
Click Claim this business and then Manage now.
To choose a different business, click I own or manage another business.
Select a verification option, and follow the on-screen steps.

If your business name does not show an address, select it and fill out the required information. Share on X

Like social networks, keeping your business information up-to-date and accurate is necessary. If you have changed your address or hours of operation, update your GMB page. Ensure you use the correct phone number, email address, website, etc.

When searching for local businesses, people type in keywords. Optimising keywords ensures your business is in front of as many searches as possible.

2. List Your Hours of Operation

You may temporarily change your operating hours for various reasons, such as public holidays or staff illness. If you have a “special” hour, you owe it to your customers to let them know. Sadly, lots of businesses fail to update their business hour. So please keep your operating hours updated here and on any other relevant social platform or social post.

3. Update Your Address and Phone Numbers

When setting up your business profile on GMB, if your business name populates in the drop-down with an address, your Business Profile already exists! If your business name does not show an address, select it and fill out the required information.

I assume you already have a functional website, right? We've written several articles on the needs and benefits of having a website for your business. Share on X

You might be asked to position a pin on a map to confirm the location. Make sure the address provided is accurate to avoid confusion or verification problems with customers.

You must choose a verification method to prove the business is located at the specified address. It is common to receive a postcard at the business address, but you can also verify by phone or email.

While GBP is being verified, you can continue to edit and update it, but it will not be visible on Google. You cannot use a post office box or mailbox on a storefront. Note that you can also only have one business per residence. Also, note that Google Business Profile tracks phone calls and website clicks, so make sure your information is correct here.

Through your GMB profile, people can easily find your business and get directions. Once your profile has a valid address, users can easily see your location from Google Maps and get directions. If you are eligible for phone verification, you can select this option, which will call your phone number and give you your verification code.

So you need to ensure your address and phone numbers are correct. So it’s a good idea to do a thorough check.

If your business location is relevant to your search engine marketing, you need to look into having a Google Business Profile if you don't have one already. Share on X

4. Upload Photos of Your Location

Photos help searchers visualise your business and get a sense of the brand. Customers can add their photographs to listings; some will choose to do so when they leave you a Google review.

It’s good to have a mix of your photos and those of users on your listing since you cannot control the order in which they appear.

Be sure to showcase different aspects of your products and services and areas of your physical location.

Incorporating visual aids into your business will make it stand out and seem more legitimate to customers. You can add photographs of your business’s exterior or employee group shots.

Use high-quality images to make your listing stand out from the competition. Be careful not to use copyrighted material without permission.

You can post photos to your profile to show what makes your business unique and give customers reasons to choose you every time. It’s a good way for your business to stay in contact with customers.

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5. Create a Map

Your business profile likely already exists, even if you didn’t create it. A Business Profile is a place on Google Maps that anyone can add. But if it does not already exist, you must add it to create it on Google Maps. Users can access your physical address directly from Google Maps with one click once you claim your spot on Google Maps.

6. Link Your Website

Don’t forget to link your profile to your website to drive website visits. I assume you already have a functional website, right? We’ve written several articles on the needs and benefits of having a website for your business. Having a website is essential to growing your business online.

7. Claim Reviews and Ratings

You cannot respond to Google reviews, an essential part of your business profile, without a GMB. With customer reviews being a Google search ranking factor and the number one influence on consumer buying, managing them is crucial. You can contact customers by phone, messaging, or responding to reviews. Ensure you respond to reviews you receive, especially negative reviews. Reacting to a negative review can make or break your online reputation.

Key Takeaways

Have you ever wondered how to effectively promote your local business with Google My Business? Well, look no further! Business owners can use this powerful tool to reach their target audience by using relevant keywords and location extensions. By incorporating ideal keywords into your business profile, you can attract more leads and drive traffic to your website.

Additionally, using Smart campaigns and search ads can further enhance your digital advertising efforts and increase visibility in relevant search results. With Google My Business, you can easily create advertising campaigns that feature videos, and forms, and even reach specific audiences on platforms like Facebook. This streamlined process not only saves time but also ensures that your marketing efforts are focused on reaching the right people.

So, why wait? Start leveraging Google My Business today to grow your local business like never before!

Conclusion

In conclusion, Google Business Profile, aka Google My Business, is a free tool that allows you to manage your local business listings across Google Search, Maps, YouTube, and other platforms. It is a great tool to promote your local business, especially for a retail business. It’s also great as an additional support option for your online marketing. You can also use it to keep track of relevant customer calls or valuable customer feedback about your business.

So if your business location is relevant to your search engine marketing, you need to look into having a Google Business Profile if you don’t have one already.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Do I Promote My Business on Google Business?

Create and optimize your Google Business profile with accurate information.
Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews on your Google Business page.
Post regular updates and promotions on your Google Business profile to engage with potential customers.
Use Google Ads to increase visibility and reach a larger audience.

How to Promote Business in Local Area?

Collaborate with other local businesses through partnerships and cross-promotions.
Use local advertising channels such as community newspapers, radio stations, and local websites.
Attend local events, markets, and fairs to increase visibility and build relationships with potential customers.
Use social media platforms to target local audiences with geotargeted ads and promotions.

How Do I Attract Customers to Google My Business?

Ensure your Google My Business profile is complete and optimized with accurate information.
Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews on your profile.
Regularly post updates, photos, and offers to engage with potential customers.
Use Google Posts to promote events, products, and special promotions.

How Do I Use Google My Business for Local SEO?

Claim and verify your Google My Business listing.
Optimise your business profile with accurate information, photos, and relevant keywords.
Encourage customers to leave reviews and respond to them promptly.
Use Google My Business posts, Q&A, and messaging features to engage with potential customers.

How Do I Add My Business to Google Maps?

Create a Google My Business account.
Enter your business information accurately.
Verify your business listing through a postcard or phone call.
Optimise your listing with photos, hours of operation, and other relevant details.

How Do I Promote My Business Online?

Use social media platforms to create and share engaging content.
Invest in search engine optimization (SEO) to improve your website’s visibility on search engines.
Collaborate with influencers and bloggers to reach a wider audience.
Use email marketing campaigns to connect with potential customers and keep existing ones engaged.

How Do I Promote My Business on Social Media?

Create engaging and shareable content that reflects your brand.
Use social media advertising to expand your reach to a targeted audience.
Engage with your followers by responding to comments and messages promptly.
Collaborate with influencers or partner with other businesses for cross-promotion.

Does My Business Show on Google Search & Maps?

Having a Google My Business profile significantly increases the chances of showing up on Google Search and Maps.
Optimising your Google My Business listing with relevant keywords and information ensures better visibility.
Regularly updating and maintaining your Google My Business profile improves your chances of appearing in search results.
Encouraging customers to leave reviews on your Google My Business listing can also boost visibility on Google Search and Maps.

How to Promote Your Local Business with Google My Business